Chelsea defender Matt Miazga set for loan move

Antonio Conte hints United States centre-back will leave the club this summer to gain experience.

Miazga made just two appearances in his first season at Chelsea and could be offloaded this summerGetty Images

Chelsea are set to send defender Matt Miazga out on loan this season after manager Antonio Conte suggested the United States international will only improve with exposure to regular first-team football. The 21-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window but made just two appearances for the Blues under Guus Hiddink.

Conte is yet to strengthen his defence since arriving at the club, adding only Michy Batshuayi and N'Golo Kante to his squad this summer. But the retention of captain John Terry on a one-year deal and imminent return to full fitness of Kurt Zouma means the American can again expect to be down the pecking order – particularly with the west London side not competing in Europe.

Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill are also likely to feature for Chelsea in a back three under Conte, meaning Miazga may be better off moving to pastures new rather than attempting to force his way into the first team. Conte has indicated Miazga will only improve with regular outings, which may have to come away from the club for the time being.

"I think in this moment it is good if he plays to improve, to go and get experience to improve," the Chelsea boss said according to ESPN. "You can improve only if you play. You play every game or a lot of games during the season.

"But he is a good guy and I am very happy about him. Miazga is a young player, he has a good technique and I think that he is working very well under the physical aspect, but the tactical aspect he can improve a lot and I think that he is improving with the work."

A change to the emergency loan rules means that Miazga is likely to be sent out on loan to a club overseas, with Chelsea no longer able to recall players from domestic spells with the intention of moving them on to a new club. However, the former New York Red Bulls star will be conscious of not joining the long list of players to leave the Premier League giants only to slip into obscurity.

Thirty-three players went out on loan from Chelsea last season in a move which was heavily criticised. Sixteen have already left on temporary spells this summer including Nathan Ake, Nathan and Baba Rahman and it is yet to be seen whether any of the trio have a future with the club beyond this season.